ACC nixes satellite-symposia model

In a move aimed at better educating its members and reducing confusion between independent, CME-certified medical education and non-independent promotional events, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) is eliminating its traditional model for CME-certified satellite symposia at the Annual Scientific Session.
The new model will consist of CME-certified satellite symposia developed and certified by ACC, and offered through a new “in-depth” learning format within the Annual Scientific Session. Non-certified promotional events in different locations will also be permitted and will be overseen by the college's business development division.
The changes resulted from a three-year evaluation of educational satellite symposia headed up by chief learning officer Joseph Green, PhD. Until now, medical education companies, cardiovascular subspecialty societies and academic medical centers have been responsible for planning and developing satellite events, including managing grants processes.
“Our decision was the result of a thoughtful and comprehensive assessment of the ambiguous nature of traditional Satellite Symposia, which we feel puts us, and our Industry supporters, at greater regulatory risk and potentially confused our member learners,” noted Green and associate VP Elizabeth Yarboro in an email to MM&M explaining the changes, which will go into effect next year at the ACC.12 and i2 Summit.
Asked whether CME-certified satellite activities developed under the new format will continue to take support., they wrote, “we do not anticipate any changes to our criteria for independent grant support. We believe that industry support is perfectly acceptable—it's how these activities are designed, developed and implemented with that support that distinguishes truly independent medical education.”

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